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    The Casbah

    4.4 (576 reviews)
    InexpensiveMusic Venues, Dive Bars
    Open 8:30 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    The Casbah Photos

    THE CASBAH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Hipster
    Very loud
    Live music

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    Reviews With Photos

    Leslie B.

    Given my history with the Casbah, I can't believe I haven't even ever left a review. I used to attend the Casbah regularly. My favorite in the early 2000s was Jivewire, which was a DJ dance night featuring 80s music along with electronic dance favorites. I have seen many bands, including friends' bands play at the Casbah throughout the years. More recently, my husband and I saw Robert Delong play just after the music scene restarted following the pandemic in 2021. And just a few weeks ago, we saw one of my husband's longtime favorites, Anything Box, play with Bob Haro and Blacklight. I will say, that we were super fortunate that neither of these shows were at capacity, as we had so much space to move around, dance a little, and walk around to the back of the bar and chat between sets. We never had to wait at the bar. I never had to deal with a bathroom line. The place felt to friendly, and I felt so welcome. There were no lines, and there was no hassle. I absolutely loved the vantage point to the stage and felt that I had to miss nothing. I did get a little tired at the last show, as it went later into the evening. I got to sit in a boot in the back and rest for a song or two, watching a show on the screen before we went back to join. I did notice that the back bar closes early. I got some pretty decent margaritas at the main bar at very reasonable prices during the show. I think the bathroom and bar line could potentially be a bit problematic if it were to get super crowded. For me, on my recent visits, the Casbah was really the perfect place to catch a show.

    Bea P.

    This dive bar is a gem and has been around for ages!! I had the pleasure of ringing in the new year at this venue with Starcrawler. There's an outdoor patio where you can hang and enjoy drinks and enjoy the band inside with more drinks. Drinks weren't too bad. It was super chill and casual.

    Class
    Jason L.

    Casbah is a San Diego institution. It's not flashy, trendy or somewhere you'd want to take a number two. It's dark, the floor is probably wet from any number of spilled drinks and you're likely to see a couple drunks making out next to a guy Mohawk kid in a studded jacket. It's awesome. Arguably the best sound for any San Diego venue, yours truly had never seen or heard a bad show here. It's small and simple but that's part of the charm. Full bar, quick service, great shows and the place has been virtually unchanged for a few decades. Fun fact: someone lives on top of the venue (it's a two-story building). How on earth do they ever sleep?

    Outside signage
    Yvette S.

    Best f'n dive bar in San Diego. I've been coming here for years. I get excited that they host big names and local independent acts! Always a great crowd and energy. Bar tenders are friendly and drink prices are moderate. Security rocks!! If it gets too hot inside, there's plenty of other spots to hang around outside on the patio area. Plenty of parking across the street in one of the airport parking garages, as I wouldn't trust the sketchy street parking nearby.

    Kevin W.

    One of the best local bars for music! Great beer selection, amazing staff, downtown location. This venue is setup perfectly. If the volume is too much, you can go to the back bar and watch the show on their TV behind the bar. If you haven't, you should book a show and check it out!

    Lorraine M.

    Finally saw a show at this legendary venue and it was such a cool intimate atmosphere. I was worried about it being too crowded and stuffy similar to the SOMA venue but it was much more spaced out along with the covered patio space outside. They also have a huge selection of beverages - draft beers, canned beers / kombucha, and well drinks. My only recco is to bring ear plugs if you have sensitive ears because it can get super loud! We took Ubers to the venue because it was a Friday and didn't want to deal with parking but if you wanted to there's a lot nearby.

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    8 months ago

    Best place for live music. An intimate iconic venue. A must go to for music lovers. Drinks are reasonably priced.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Best venue in San Diego! Great drinks and staff. Cool vibe for day or night! Arrive early to score street parking.

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    1 year ago

    The iconic place to see a show in San Diego. The best shows. The best atmosphere. Hands down.

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    3 years ago

    This was a really great venue down in San Diego. They had a pool table and all. Nice stage. Great sound system.

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    4 years ago

    Best spot for intimate concerts! Even better staff! Highly recommend the Battle Bot nights!

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    3 years ago

    Great space for smaller artists to feel closer to their fans. Had a great time watching Bandalos Chinos.

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    The Casbah Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Casbah

    The venue says ADA accessible. I don't use a wheelchair, but have trouble standing for long periods of time. Is there seating available?

    yes, lots, get there early!

    Do they have food here?

    No food.

    We are going to see Los Straightjackets in April, in San Diego at the Casbah. I have been there once, and I know it is a small venue, but could anyone advise what is the best time (b4 show starts) to get there, to stand in front of the stage?

    Depends on the show. Most shows you'll have no problem getting a spot in front of the stage as long as you're ready to pounce on the last song on the band before the headliner. I did it last night at a sold out show and was front and center. Pro… Read more

    What is the typical cover charge during the week or weekends? I wanted to go on a Friday but I notice GA tix are $60+. Is that typical?

    It was $40 to see the melvins. GA all seats are good

    Anybody have extra tickets to The Distillers for Apr25?? Looking for 3, Message me on here or on Instagram. @veronikaamorre

    Are there chairs or tables or barstools to reserve?

    No. Maybe a total of a dozen stools around a couple bar tables. First come first serve. There isn't any stools at the main bar. At least this was our experience the 2 times we went to see a band. Cool place though.

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    Review Highlights - The Casbah

    Recently, after I'd been away for a month or two, Tim Mays jokingly asked me, "Where the hell have you been?

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Aero Club Bar - Burns Vista

    Aero Club Bar

    4.5(890 reviews)
    0.6 miMiddletown, Mission Hills
    $$

    If you're reading this, it's because you're desperately hunting for a place that lives up to (or…read moreoutlives) what you thought was your old favorite spot. We've done the rounds. Everywhere. And nothing touches this scene. Great drinks. Even better people. The kind of place where you walk in for "just one" and somehow look up three hours later wondering how you got so comfortable, so fast. Whether it's your first stop of the night or your last, you'll spend the entire time grinning like you're exactly where you're supposed to be and nowhere you're supposed to be. Pro tip: mention the name Lee at the door for free popcorn all night. (Okay, fine. The popcorn's already free. But now you've got an excuse to say Lee's name with confidence.) Get yourselves down here and plug into the energy. We're officially hooked. See you at Aero Club.

    Aero club has been a decently good place to visit when you want to drink & have some snacks, up…read moreuntil my last visit this past Friday. I visited with my roommate, my cousin,& his girlfriend. He went to the restroom and us girls went to ours, they're in the same hallway & you have to pass the women's restroom to get to the men's. As I was exiting the girls bathroom he walked directly past me and I trailed behind him, then all of a sudden I hear one of the girl bartenders ask him to leave because she said she saw him exit the women's restroom. She was LOUD & reactive, like she was 100% sure she saw that, she grabbed 2 of the security guards & asked to get him out because she saw him come out of the girls restroom. WHICH WAS A LIE!! It was humiliating & if she would've just ran back the cameras she would see that is absolutely NOT what happened. It was unprofessional, ridiculous,& tasteless. I get you have to be aware in these situations but she was SO WRONG in this particular instance I was appalled. Therefore if the manager or owner would like to run back tapes on January 30th around 12 am, they will see he did not exit the women's bathroom. I really hope there's some type of repercussions for type of accusation.

    Photos
    Aero Club Bar
    Aero Club Bar - After wedding tings

    After wedding tings

    Aero Club Bar - Outdoor bbq area

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    Outdoor bbq area

    The Silver Fox

    The Silver Fox

    3.8(319 reviews)
    6.1 miPacific Beach
    $

    If you're ever sitting at home asking yourself important questions like:…read more "Do I want to spend more money on TouchTunes than actual beer?" "Would I like to open a bar at 6 a.m. beside men who look like they know three different ways to lose a fishing boat?" "Should I buy a cheesesteak at Jersey Mike's and proudly eat it at the counter cuz the Fox can't be trusted with a fryer?" "Do I enjoy low inhibitions, lower beer prices, and conversations with cougars named Tammy who smoke Misty 120's and call everyone 'baby'?" Then the Silver Fox is not just a bar, it's a sanctuary for the gloriously untethered. Like a Robert Frost poem if Frost had chain-smoked cigarettes and played pool until sunrise. When you come to the fork in the road, and to the left lies reclaimed wood, Tulum inspired bars, and rosemary craft cocktails, and to the right lies the cold silence of your apartment. Dare to go straight. Straight into the Silver Fox, for one last five more beers.

    I actually really love this bar and would be a 5, but I HATE Alex. I'm a local and frequent here…read morejust to play a couple games of pool, and every-time he truly makes it the most unenjoyable experiences every time- from him being rude to us personally & telling us disrespectful slurs to be waiting for our beers and hearing him shout similar slurs + racist remarks to young girls behind bar!!! I wish I could say it was just him, but sadly this is NOT a safe space, which is so sad being that we literally live around the corner:( frankly there have even been occasions where strangers have spoken up for us in situations where we were not being left alone, and the staff has refused to do anything and even made remarks back towards us, super disappointing. shout out to Jason(i think) super pleasant experience every time he's working, keeps it cool

    Photos
    The Silver Fox
    The Silver Fox
    The Silver Fox

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    The Loft - View in from the front patio

    The Loft

    4.3(198 reviews)
    1.1 miHillcrest
    $$

    It's really known as a local gay dive bar, and that's exactly what makes it so special - it's…read moreauthentic, unpretentious, and just overflows with good energy. What I truly appreciate is how inclusive it is; when they say "all are welcome," they genuinely mean it. You feel like part of the community the moment you step through the door, no matter who you are. The folks working behind the bar are absolute superstars. They're not just great at mixing up a delicious drink, but they're also super friendly and always up for a bit of banter. It's the kind of place where striking up a conversation with someone new at the bar is effortless. There's a constant buzz of friendly chatter and laughter, making it such a wonderful place to just relax and be yourself. And let's talk about value - they truly know how to pour a proper drink, and their prices are incredibly fair. You definitely get a fantastic drink without feeling like you've splurged. It's just an all-around great spot to unwind, meet some cool people, and enjoy a top-notch beverage in a relaxed, friendly setting. Highly recommend giving The Loft a visit!

    When I visit San Diego, The Loft is at the top of my "must visit" list and is normally one of the…read morefirst places I go after getting settled in. Situated on 5th Avenue in beautiful Hillcrest, The Loft is a small, but mighty place that is near and dear to my heart for a variety of reasons. From the bartenders, to the patrons, and of course the drinks...this spot is an absolute vibe! Everyone is beyond welcoming and fun here. The space is a great combination of indoor/outdoor. The drinks are strong and well priced, which is not a combination you can find many places these days! They don't serve food, but they are fine if you want to bring your own, which many folks do. We have enjoyed a cocktail and UberEats'd something so we didn't have to leave. Overall, while I am not a San Diego local (yet), I consider The Loft my local spot. Love this place!

    Photos
    The Loft - $8 Bloody Mary

    $8 Bloody Mary

    The Loft
    The Loft - Inside

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    Inside

    Old Town Saloon - Cheers

    Old Town Saloon

    3.3(210 reviews)
    2.0 miOld Town
    $

    We love a good dive bar, so while exploring San Diego's Old Town we did what any responsible day…read moredrinkers would do... we Googled "dive bars" & ended up at Old Town Saloon. And honestly? This place was exactly the vibe we were hoping to find. The second we walked in, I loved the vintage feel of the decor. It has that authentic old-school saloon energy that can't be manufactured. A genuine neighborhood watering hole with personality - a little worn in, full of character & packed with stories. One of the best parts of our visit was the bartender, who also happened to be the third-generation owner. He struck that perfect balance of being super friendly & welcoming without being all up in our business. You could tell he genuinely cared about the place & its history. He shared some great stories that made the experience feel personal. We settled in for some drinks & soaked up the atmosphere. The history of San Diego Old Town swirled around us as we enjoyed our time at the Old Town Saloon. Highly recommend.

    This is a great spot to grab a drink when there is a crowd outside. We were waiting for the Whaley…read moreHouse tour and stopped in for a drink. Liz was awesome and even made recommendations for restaurants for us. She was talkative and engaging while also serving everyone quickly. Looks like a great spot for the evening, but we were just starting out the lunch drinkers for the day!

    Photos
    Old Town Saloon - Corona, Midori sour

    Corona, Midori sour

    Old Town Saloon - Dive bar hopping

    Dive bar hopping

    Old Town Saloon - Been a rough week. Time for Tito's !!!

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    Been a rough week. Time for Tito's !!!

    The Casbah - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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